The Car Thread ... !

[Matz]

It's funny, on the highway, the 5.7L is efficient enough where ECO doesn't really save much in terms of MPG.

Yeah, it doesn't seem to matter much on mine either.

I'd be interested to know how high I could push the gas mileage, say, on a road trip. But the Charger really likes to cruise at 79, and that is not optimal for fuel economy. I suppose I could slow down a bit, but...

An eight-speed would help, I'm sure, but that wasn't available in the '14 AWD.

My next Charger will be an eight-speed RWD, as snow in these parts is infrequent and short-lived, and I'm finding that AWD is not worth the performance hit for 99% of my driving.

 

[D.T.]

I'd be interested to know how high I could push the gas mileage, say, on a road trip.

I'm still pretty astounded that we make this trip:

With 6 people, in reasonable comfort, a big hitch carrier w/ two tubs of dive/fishing gear and two coolers, 6 rollers, backpacks, computers, boxes of wine/booze, in __one__ tank of gas and actually roll in with just about a 1/4 tank, so no need to even hassle with gas till we leave in a week. That's with the top of the trip being in town, and the last 75+ miles having a ton of stop and go.

 

[Matz]

in __one__ tank of gas and actually roll in with just about a 1/4 tank

That is impressive.

 

[44267547]

Yeah, it doesn't seem to matter much on mine either.

I'd be interested to know how high I could push the gas mileage, say, on a road trip. But the Charger really likes to cruise at 79, and that is not optimal for fuel economy. I suppose I could slow down a bit, but...

My next Charger will be an eight-speed RWD, as snow in these parts is infrequent and short-lived, and I'm finding that AWD is not worth the performance hit for 99% of my driving.

Matz, what else do I have to do to provoke you to the Scat? I mean, weren’t my pictures reason enough?

Seriously though, I put on about 4000 miles, and the Mustang barely has been driven sadly this summer. The Scat is just plain fun, even given the curb weight. For the price/everything offered, the Performance is above & beyond my expectations. Really, don’t hesitate. The only difficult decision you’ll have to make if you purchase the Scat, is the wide array of color options you can choose from.

I’ll give my updated impressions what the Pros/Cons soon enough. (Albeit, the cons are mainly minor.)

 

[Matz]

Matz, what else do I have to do to provoke you to the Scat? I mean, weren’t my pictures reason enough?

Seriously though, I put on about 4000 miles, and the Mustang barely has been driven sadly this summer. The Scat is just plain fun, even given the curb weight. For the price/everything offered, the Performance is above & beyond my expectations. Really, don’t hesitate. The only difficult decision you’ll have to make if you purchase the Scat, is the wide array of color options you can choose from.

I’ll give my updated impressions what the Pros/Cons soon enough. (Albeit, the cons are mainly minor.)

I’m thinking my next one will, in fact, be a Scat. Haven’t driven one (yet), as I’m concerned about the effect it will have upon my bank account in the near term.

In other words, yes, the provocation is strong.

Another year or so, perhaps.

 

[D.T.]

Well, maybe Matz needs to be motivated or encouraged to consider a Charger (ScatPack, etc.)

The new '19 GT is killer. No pics yet, waiting to do a couple of tweaks ...

The car:

2019 GT Premium Convertible
Orange Fury Metallic / Ebony
401a Equip Group
GT Performance Package
10-speed Automatic
Safe & Smart Package
Active Valve Exhaust
Magneride Suspension
B&O Sound System

That's basically every option (where there's not a conflict). The deal I got was insane, I literally bought the car while I was traveling up in DC, told them to hold it for a week (sent a deposit), I wasn't even ready, was thinking way after summer. FWIW, a bit of this was motivation to get a car the wife could also drive (i.e., an auto vs. my previous manual, though I'm pooped out of manuals too), she' loves it, I can't wait for her to pick up her friends for lunch - and then I get to knock around in the DDRT

All GT convertibles are Premium packages at a minimum, and the 401a upgrades everything even further, the leather is a notably higher grade (it's' like the Premier interior option on my '16), everything is stitched, soft touch, it adds the very slick 12" LCD dash (highly configurable, adapts to modes), all the things you'd expect like LED lighting, adaptive cruise, lane mitigation/pre-crash alerts, heated seats/wheel/mirrors, cooled seats, remote and iOS app based start/lock/diags. The Perf Pack is a whole slew of items: upgraded suspension components, Brembo brakes, different electronic tuning/modes, bigger radiator, TORSEN rear end, extra "hard" gauges, added cooling ducts (also different wheels/tires but I bailed on those). Audio is solid, it's a bit of upgrade over the previous Shaker, a little brighter highs, more punchy mid-bass, plenty good enough for a convertible performance car.

It's shockingly faster than the '16 I had, even with the latter having a tune, intake, and being a Perf Pack car with a 3.73 rear (but with a manual). The mix of the Gen 3 Coyote + 10-speed automatic (both under-rated and/or just highly efficient) + Perf Pack (which options a 3.55 rear with a TORSEN setup) makes it easy to drive fast. The 10-speed has some slick tech, while not quite a DCT, it's a far cry from old school torque converter implementations. The Active exhaust is awesome, in Sport or Track it's like an aftermarket exhaust with a "touring" loudness, or it's moderately subdued in Sport, or it's magically quiet, er, in Quiet (the latter can be set for a specific time, startup, so it's quiet when you need it to be). Magneride is a good as I'd heard, with the mix of the Perf Package (better shocks, springs, swaybars, suspension tuning) it's comfy or incredibly sure footed especially on uneven roads.

It's just a better ride overall, like the 2nd revision of an existing iPhone design! I was kind of lukewarm on the facelift, but having experienced it outside of photos, I can say, it looks fantastic, the design elements really come together, lots of nice details, better integration of things like the front lip, ducts.

I pulled a few parts from the old ride, some I may reinstall, some I will just sell, the 20" aftermarket wheel/tire setup swapped over, my car got the new car setup Nothing like a 285(f) / 305(r) tire setup, the stance is outSTANDING I have a tune and some mild intake and exhaust work on deck, but these Gen 3 motors are nuts with some E-fuel, so I'm getting a FlexFuel tune (the Gen 3 is both Direct and Port injected, 12:1 compression, 7500 redline).

I can't say enough things about the color - I'm kind of on a tick-tock with a gray scale color (black/gray/silver + red interior) then a big bold color, though the last few rides were all in that same vein - it was time for a radical change, and this color is __amazing__. It's a tri-coat process, it changes from a mild, creamy, light orange with a little pearl richness to a much darker, metallic orange. Very cool. One one trip down to the grocery today, I had someone comment on it when I parked, one of the baggers, then someone when I was leaving, though it's pretty hard to miss

 

[circatee]

All cleaned...!

2018 Mustang GT PP

 

[0388631]

PNW?

 

[realtuner]

Nobody commenting on the Porsche Taycan yet?

Fully Charged did an early look. They did 26 consecutive 0-200 km/h runs and consistently got times of “around or just under” 10 seconds.

Clearly this is a direct shot at Tesla and showcasing their ability to get performance that doesn’t degrade after a few runs/minutes of use. They also briefly talked about their cooling system, which is obviously a big part of getting sustainable performance.

I’d dike to see a Model S or Model 3 do only 10 runs from 0-150 km/h and see the degradation, let alone 26 runs to 200 km/h.

 

[AustinIllini]

Nobody commenting on the Porsche Taycan yet?

Fully Charged did an early look. They did 26 consecutive 0-200 km/h runs and consistently got times of “around or just under” 10 seconds.

Clearly this is a direct shot at Tesla and showcasing their ability to get performance that doesn’t degrade after a few runs/minutes of use. They also briefly talked about their cooling system, which is obviously a big part of getting sustainable performance.

I’d dike to see a Model S or Model 3 do only 10 runs from 0-150 km/h and see the degradation, let alone 26 runs to 200 km/h.

This is why I'm bearish on Tesla. Fans act like they're doing something incredible and the other manufacturers can't compete. Honestly, it's a matter of when, not if, the big manufacturers pass up Tesla.

 

[44267547]

Nobody commenting on the Porsche Taycan yet?

Fully Charged did an early look. They did 26 consecutive 0-200 km/h runs and consistently got times of “around or just under” 10 seconds.

Clearly this is a direct shot at Tesla and showcasing their ability to get performance that doesn’t degrade after a few runs/minutes of use. They also briefly talked about their cooling system, which is obviously a big part of getting sustainable performance.

I’d dike to see a Model S or Model 3 do only 10 runs from 0-150 km/h and see the degradation, let alone 26 runs to 200 km/h.

Pretty sleek looking car. Interesting to see how it’s manufactured primarily from aluminum/carbon fiber. There was some discussion back earlier on the Taycan months back, I’m sure the fit/finish will easily trump Tesla’s, not to mention, how much more modernized it looks (A cross between a 911/Panamera). The one thing that really kept drawing my attention were those *massive* brakes the Taycan has, which says a lot about direct control for the ‘stopping power’ on a car this fast with over 600 HP.

This is just the start to, more models from Porsche that would be likely less expensive [The Taycan appears to be around $120,000] than the dual motor will come to fruition eventually as well.

 

[realtuner]

Pretty sleek looking car. Interesting to see how it’s manufactured primarily from aluminum/carbon fiber. There was some discussion back earlier on the Taycan months back, I’m sure the fit/finish will easily trump Tesla’s, not to mention, how much more modernized it looks (A cross between a 911/Panamera). The one thing that really kept drawing my attention were those *massive* brakes the Taycan has, which says a lot about direct control for the ‘stopping power’ on a car this fast with over 600 HP.

This is just the start to, more models from Porsche that would be likely less expensive [The Taycan appears to be around $120,000] than the dual motor will come to fruition eventually as well.

There are a lot of very upset Tesla people on the various forums this weekend. They constantly bring up the 0-60 times of the Model S or Model 3 (since the Taycan is slower 0-60 than either). I find it funny they seem to think straight line sprints are the only measure of a performance car.

Stopping is just as important. Just like a Tesla will overheat and reduce power after a few acceleration runs, so too will the brakes overheat and start to fade after a few hard stops.

Porsche’s have always had outstanding brakes that can haul you down from triple digit speeds over and over without ever fading. Clearly that will also be true of the Taycan. This is a car that’s meant to be driven hard and can take the punishment of doing so.

 

[AustinIllini]

Pretty sleek looking car. Interesting to see how it’s manufactured primarily from aluminum/carbon fiber. There was some discussion back earlier on the Taycan months back, I’m sure the fit/finish will easily trump Tesla’s, not to mention, how much more modernized it looks (A cross between a 911/Panamera). The one thing that really kept drawing my attention were those *massive* brakes the Taycan has, which says a lot about direct control for the ‘stopping power’ on a car this fast with over 600 HP.

This is just the start to, more models from Porsche that would be likely less expensive [The Taycan appears to be around $120,000] than the dual motor will come to fruition eventually as well.

The fact is VAG now has the capability. That means you're looking at Audi, Porsche, and VW having access to this technology.

One thing the Taycan and e-tron have in common: both are lauded for their superior ride quality to their Tesla competitors.

 

[0388631]

CNet is reporting the first C8 crash. The opponent cars took a massive beating instead.

 

[44267547]

I’m thinking my next one will, in fact, be a Scat. Haven’t driven one (yet), as I’m concerned about the effect it will have upon my bank account in the near term.

In other words, yes, the provocation is strong.

Another year or so, perhaps.

I don’t recall if you ‘test’ driven the 6.4l or not, but I say this being genuine being your a 5.7 owner, (And as someone as myself who has driven two generations of 5.7’s extensively for my agency), once you drive the Scat, it will make your 5.7 seem archaic and slow. That was my biggest gripe with the 5.7, it always felt under-powered, but a strong motor in the same respect that matured a lot over the years without any major issues.

The Only thing I think you’ll miss from your 5.7 RT will be the all-wheel-drive factor, but obviously you know RWD can be just as much fun, but I don’t believe you have to worry about the ‘driving conditions’ in your state as much with snow/ice, where AWD would be more beneficial.

I think the only regret I have with the Scat, was I wish I Purchased it sooner when I first considered this back in 2017 before buying the T.T. SHO, it’s that much fun and a totally polarizing experience over the 5.7. There’s no comparison.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Annoyed today. A colleague dented my car. With a classic Mac Pro we had sold at work and I was taking it to the warehouse.

Has put me in a right mood. I hate marks on my car.

 

[D.T.]

Annoyed today. A colleague dented my car. With a classic Mac Pro we had sold at work and I was taking it to the warehouse.

Has put me in a right mood. I hate marks on my car.

Is it just a dent without any paint damage (like a scratch)? Check out some paintless dent removal services, they work magic

 

[44267547]

Annoyed today. A colleague dented my car. With a classic Mac Pro we had sold at work and I was taking it to the warehouse.

Has put me in a right mood. I hate marks on my car.

Bummer. Fortunately, dents in most cases can be reversed. I’m the same way, I don’t like dents, scratches typically can be removed in most cases, but dents can complicate things.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Pain removed and it is just above the wheel arch so where there is an angle. No way thats ever going to look the same again! I'll post a picture if it ever stops raining.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Not a great image but maybe an inch across.

 

[D.T.]

Not a great image but maybe an inch across. View attachment 852973

Ouch, yeah, it's scuffed pretty deep. Someone good with paint could probably do a decent job of repair without having to do the whole fender.

So I assume they were carrying the machine without a box, they don't call those things cheese graters for nothing ...

 

[Apple fanboy]

Ouch, yeah, it's scuffed pretty deep. Someone good with paint could probably do a decent job of repair without having to do the whole fender.

So I assume they were carrying the machine without a box, they don't call those things cheese graters for nothing ...

It doesn’t show in the photo but it’s a dent and paint removed. So it’s a filler and paint job.

I’ve got one of those mobile repair places coming to look at it.

 

[D.T.]

It doesn’t show in the photo but it’s a dent and paint removed. So it’s a filler and paint job.

I’ve got one of those mobile repair places coming to look at it.

Ahh yeah, it's hard to get a sense of the depth, well heck, good luck, I bet they can sort it out (I've seen some amazing corrections/fixes done).

 

[Apple fanboy]

Ahh yeah, it's hard to get a sense of the depth, well heck, good luck, I bet they can sort it out (I've seen some amazing corrections/fixes done).

Well I’m hoping they do a good job and work stump up the cash.

 

[0388631]

A good place will try and remove the dent as much as possible while using as little compound filler. Bright side is that VW of yours looks like a flat red so it shouldn't be hard to blend in.

Have you considered throttling said co-worker off a mountain cliff or into a pond full of much with him attached to cinder blocks?